Yarn winding machine



Feb. 24, 194 8. E. R. DAVIS EIAL YARN WINDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 19458 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 24, 1948. v s r AL 2,436,557

YARN WINDING MACHINE I Filed Feb. 5, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 j; 2IN.%IOR$BY M R.%W W k%m Feb. 24, 1948. DAV|$ ETAL 2,436,557

YARN WINDING MACHINE.

Feb. 24-, 1948. R, DAVIS ET 2,436,557

YARN WINDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 76 Q 7 I I 1moms l mM W W Feb. 24, 1948. v s EI'AL 2,436,557

YARN WINDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 we 12 21 I'\Feb. 24, 1948. E. R. DAVIS EI'AL YARN WINDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 19458 Sheets-Sheet 6 Feb. 24', 1948. DAVIS H 2,436,557

YARN WINDING MACHINE Fil ed Feb. 5, 1945 B Shee'tS-Sheet 7 Feb. 24,1948. E. R. DAVIS ETAL YARN WINDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1945 8Sheets-Sh'eet 8 Patented at. 24, was

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YARN WINDING MACHINE Edward R. Davis and Howard W. Doughty, J12,Westfield, Mass, assignors to Foster Machine Company, Westfield, Mass, acorporation of Massachusetts 24 Claims.

This invention relates to new and improved yarn winding machines andmore particularly to improvements in high-speed winding machines of thegeneral type disclosed in Patent No. 2,355,634, ior winding yarns onpaper cores or the like.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in parthereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned bypractice with the invention, the same being realized and attained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in theappended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements,combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a parthereof, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with thedescription, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

Of the drawings: Figure 1 is a front elevation, with certain partomitted and other parts broken away, of a typical and illustrativewinding machine embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevation, with parts in section, of the controlapparatus in accordance with -the present invention, as embodied in thewindparatus of Figure 2, but with the outside casing removed;

Figure 4 is a cross section of the apparatus of Figure 2, as taken onthe lines t-t of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a detailed view of certain of the operating parts of thecontrol apparatus in accordance with the present invention, showingthese in normal winding positions;

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are detailed views of the dropwire switch of thecontrol apparatus of Figure 2, shown in three different operativepositions to illustrate the manner of control thereby;

Figure 9 is a view of the control apparatus similar in substance to theillustrative form of Figure 5, but showing the parts in a positionpermitting dofiing of a built-up package from the winding spindle;

Figures 10 and 11 are wiring diagrams of part 2 one element of thecontrol apparatus of Figure 5, as taken on the lines |2l2 of Figure 5:

Figure 13 is a detailed view of a modified form of the dropwire switchof Figures 6, 7 and 8;

Figure 14 is a section of the dropwire switch of Figure 13, taken on thelines l4l i;

Figure 15 is a detailed view of a modified form of dropwire switch ofthe control apparatus of Figure 2, in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention;

Figure 16 is a detailed view similar to Figure 5 of certain of theoperative parts of the control apparatus but showing a modified form ofdropwire switch in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

Figure 1'7 is a detailed view of the embodiment of Figure 16 but withsome parts in a different position; and,

Figure 18 is a cross-section of the apparatus, similar to Figure 4 butshowing the. modification of Figures 16 and 17.

In winding machines of the type with which this invention is concerned,it has been a desirable feature to incorporate means whereby the actualspeed of rotation of the winding spindle upon which the package beingbuilt up is carried, is varied in accordance with the tension on theyarn being Wound on this package, bearing in mind that this tensionvaries due to many causes. This is particularly desirable in the windingof such yarns as synthetic filaments of which rayon and nylon may bespecified, and it is of great importance that the yarn be wound under asuitable and regulated tension, which tension will vary with theparticular yarn.

Furthermore, it is a most desirable feature for such winding machines toavoid subjecting the yarn to excessive tensions as it is being wound,and particularly to avoid irregular tension, because this increases theliability of breakage of the yarn and also in many instances renders itI unsuitable for use in a finished fabric. Accordof the controlapparatus of the present inven- Figure 12 is a detailed view partly insection of ingly, winding of the yarn at a tension suitable for thatparticular yarn under accurate control is of greatimportance in thepreparation of a package of yarn in order that the resultant productmade from this yarn may have uniform desirable qualities. Severalproposals have been made heretofore for controlling the speed of windingof the yarn in accordance with the yarn tension and more particularly inaccordance with variability of tension caused by snags and similar usualirregularities in the normal flow of the yarn from the supply bobbin tothe package being wound, but such prior proposals have fallen assess?short of complete efiiciency of winding together with maximum speed ofwinding.

It has been customary to vary the drag on the yarn as it passes from thesupply bobbin to the package, with the object of decreasing the windingtension but such devices as specifically designed for this purpose havenot proved satisfactory. It has also been proposed to vary the speed ofwinding of the yarn on the package, to

compensate for the increase in diameter of the package whereby todecrease the actual tension applied to the yarn as the diameterincreases but such devices do not completely take into considerationcompensations for variations of tension caused by the yarn itself, bythe supply package from which the yarn is being wound, by theactualtravel of the yarn in its yarn guide along the length of thepackage, and like tension varying factors.

It'has also been proposed to compensate for these various tensionvarying factors by providing means to simultaneously control the speedof winding of the yarn upon the package by the tension on the yarnitself, and to compensate for the increasing diameter of the package byreducing the actual drag on the yarn as the diameter of the packageincreases, thus, in general, satisfactorily combining the advantages ofall the prior proposals and resulting in a uniform and satisfactorilywound package from the point of view of tension. However, in suchdevices, one of the problems which always arises is that a certainamount of force is required to move the tension responsive lever such asa dropwire, to operate the various switching means for controlling themotor speed and therefore a certain minimum tension must be applied tothe yarn and thus to the dropwire before the device can operate, whilealso partly due to this necessity of an initial tension on the yarnthere is a time and inertia delay in the switching operations and smallvariations of tension may be overlooked.

It is, accordingly, the general object of the present invention toprovide a. new and improved high-speed-winding machine for winding yarninto packages at a tension best suited for that particular yarn with thewinding action completely controlled by the tension fluctuations of theyarn being wound, even when these fluctuations are extremely small.

It is a'iurther object of the invention to provide a new and improvedwinding apparatus which will wind an improved package of any size and ofyarn of any kind without dimculties causing the formation of anirregular package or of damage to the yarn by excessive or irregulartension or both during the winding operation.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved yarnwinding machine in which the drag imposed on the yarn being wound can beaccurately preset, and can be adjusted during running if desired, andthe operating tension on the yarn can beautomatically controlled, whilethe speed of winding is automatically regulated by the operating tensionon the yarn being wound, with a minimum amount of tension only beingnecessary on the yarn for operation of the automatic control devices.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means for imposingand maintaining tension on the yarn being wound and for reducing theeffective tension on the yarn being wound from start to finish ofwinding of the package so as to enable a maximum speed of winding actionto be carriedout with a minimum of tension on the yarn in order to suitthe characteristics of that particular yarn.

A still further object of the invention is to provide novel electricalmeans for driving a winding spindle of a winding machine to accuratelycontrol and vary the speed of winding in accordance with the tension onthe yarn being wound on the package, the control means being operativelysensitive to even minute changes of tension in the yarn.

In accordance with the present invention, the winding of a package ofyarn is carried out at a maximum possible speed for that particular yarnunder accurate and automatic control of the tension of the yarn beingwound and this control is exercised first by varying the tension on theyarn as the package builds up and simultaneously by varying the speed ofwinding in ac cordance with changes in tension on the yarn, even thoughthese may be extremely small,

As illustrated, the invention as shown is applied to a winding machinecorresponding in general to a Foster standard winder for producingprecise wound cones or tubes. The spindle of the winding machine isadapted to receive a suitable core, which may be paper, on which thepackage is to be wound and this spindle is driven by an electric motorwhich can operate effectively at widely different speeds. The yarn to bewound is led'in the usual manner from the supply bobbin to the packagethrough a tension" device which subjects the yarn to a predetermineddrag which can be adjusted to suit the particular yarn being wound.Thereafter the yarn passes through a feeler guide or dropwire which isadapted to be biased in a variable amount against the action of the yarnpassing through it, this dropwire being set at a predetermined level andbeing raised by increases in tension during winding and lowered bydecreases in tension. From the dropwire the yarn passes to the usualtraversing thread guide which applies the thread to the core on thespindle and moves back and forth longitudinally of the package beingwound, to lay the yarn correctly thereon.

As embodied in the present invention, the dropwire is lightly balancedand is operatively connected to operate a switch which is adapted tocontrol the supply of power to the electric motor driving the spindleand determine whether such power shall be supplied to the motor or shallbe cut oil.

The dropwire operated switch is composed of two parts in anti-frictionaland wiping engagement with each other whereby the amount of energynecessary to move the dropwire and operate the part of the switchconnected thereto is very small indeed so that the tension applied tothe yarn need not be of a high value, this being desirable in someparticular yarns. Due to the anti-frictional engagement of the two partsof the switch no force other than that required to move the lightlybalanced dropwire is required to cause the various switching operations,while the resistance of the parts of the switch to movemerits of thedropwire under tension changes will be the same, whatever the relativeposition of the parts of the switch.

Preferably, the moving selector of the switch is connected directly tothe dropwire to share movements therewith, and move relative to a fixedconductor, the selector and conductor of the switch being wired inseries with the motor circult and being adapted in some positions tosupanswer ply electric power to the motor and in at least one otherposition to disconnect the power to the motor and allow same to run downto a stop unless the power is reconnected by such supply positions ofthe selector.

The selector and conductor of the dropwire operated switch are adaptedto operate with the two parts in continuous engagement during winding tominimize the arcing over usually present in dropwire operated switchesfor tension control and the selector thereof is provided with anonconducting portion and one or more conducting portions which areadapted to sequentially make contact with the conductor of the switchunder control of movements of the dropwire whereby with the dropwire atnormal tension position the nonconducting portion of the selector of theswitch will be in contact with the conductor, to

present an open circuit position.

In this open circuit switch position, the drop wire switch is adapted tomaintain a closed circuit condition of a solenoid operated cut-out relayin the motor circuit of the spindle motor, whereby the motor willcontinue to run at its full speed while the conductor of the switch isin contact with the nonconducting portion of the selector of thedropwire switch. Upon increase of tension of the yarn the dropwire israised and places one of the conducting portions of the selector ncontact with the conductor to complete the circuit through the solenoidcoil of the relay and cause this to electromagnetically open the relaycircuit to disconnect supply of power to the spindle motor. The motorfor the spindle is of the type to permit coasting or running underinertia under such conditions whereby the spindle will continue torotate but at a decreasing speed, thereby reducing the tension on thedropwire and lowering this. As the dropwire reaches its normal tensionposition the nonconducting portion of the selector will be in contactwith the conductor of the switch, whereby the motor circuit will againbe completed by opening of the relay to once more apply power to themotor and commence speeding up the motor and spindle.

Accordingly, under fluctuations of tension applied to the dropwire bythe yarn, even in very small increments, the sensitive, lightly-balanceddropwire will operate to cause a cut-in and cutout of the power to thespindle motor. In actual practice variations of tension of the yarn willbe such that the dropwire will fluctuate in short strokes at arelatively high speed, cutting the motor power on and off rapidly, butwithout undue wear upon the switch parts due to their antifrictioncharacteristics and with a minimum of arcing due to the relativelycontinuous contact of the switch conductor and selector this resultingin the spindle motor running normally at a speed less than the fullspeed of the motor but as high a speed as can be attained with theparticular yarn being wound. Inasmuch as the dropwire switch parts onlycontrol electric power to the solenoid of the motor cut-out relay, andinasmuch as the actual breaking or the motor power circuit is controlledby the solenoid cut-out relay, the amount of possible wear, erosion ofcontact points, and like difficulties usually found with high-speed makeand break switches is eliminated substantially, since the relay solenoidcoil circuit is only a few milliamperes while the motor circuit will benormally several amperes.

The other conducting portion of the selector of the dropwire switch willbe placed in contact with the conductor of the switch when the dropwirefalls under decreased pressure, and since this decreased pressure canonly be the result of a breakage or an equivalent detrimental factorsuch as slack in the arn which must be corrected before winding isresumed, when the dropwire is thus lowered the conductor of the switchwil1 be again in contact with a conducting part of the selector and thusthe relay will be actuated to open the motor circuit, and allow themotor to run down to a stop. This can be observed by an operator who canrepair the necessary error and the machine can again be started up inits normal winding sequence.

Accordingly, the invention provides a switch mechanism directly operatedunder tension fluctuations of the dropwire to compensate for increasesin tension by slowing down the 'motor until normal tension is obtainedand to stop this motor should breakage or like damage occur which wouldreduce the tension. Preferably, dropwire with the switch parts controlthereby can be adjusted into any predetermined position so that thenormal tension will be such that only an abnormal condition can resultin the lowering of the dropwire to cut out the motor entirely and causestoppage and in all other conditions the dropwire will fluctuatecarrying the switch parts rapidly between power-on and power-offpositions with respect to the circuit of the driving motor for thespindle.

Means are also provided cooperating with the dropwire switch describedabove for progressively varying the tension or drag applied to the yarnas the diameter of the package being wound increases.

To this end a compensator is pivotally mounted on the frame of thewinding machine and is adapted to be swung around its pivot by suitablelinkage as the frame carrying the thread guide is progressively movedoutwardly radially from the package during its building up in size. Thiscompensator is drivingly connected with dropwire switch mechanism sothat as the compensator is swung by the radial movements of the threadguide frame the dropwire level being maintained because of the reductionof the tension applied thereby in the yarn passing therethrough as thepackage builds up in size.

Also suitably connected to this compensator is the moving partof thetension device which applied a drag upon the yarn prior to its passingthrough the dropwire so that simultaneously with the proportionalreduction of the amount of drag on the yarn, caused by the swinging ofthe cornpensator, the dropwire level will be maintained. The attachmentof the various linkage to the compensator for these actuations are alladjustable whereby a complete variability can be obtained of the variousfunctions each independently of the other.

Means are also provided for stopping the rotation of the spindle motorwhen the package has reached a predetermined size and is thus ready fordofling, to which end the thread guide frame carries an adjustable stopwhich is positioned so that it will contact an abutment on a lever atsome point in the swinging movement of the frame radially from thepackage as this builds up. Upon contact of the stop with the abutment,the lever is swung against resilient means to short circuit the parts ofthe dropwire switch and thus close the solenoid circuit of the relay todisconnect the power to themotor as hereinbefore described. Thiscondition will-continue until the finished package has been removed,

permitting the'abutment on thelever to be separated from the stopoperating it and thus returning the parts of the dropwire switch tonormal operative position. As a further feature. in this part of themechanism, there is provided an overthrow device whereby the contact onthe lever can force the conductor of the dropwire switch from theselector when the frame is manually swung away from the finished packageto allow this package to be removed from the spindle, this resulting inthe motor driving the spindle being completely out out during doffing ofthe finished package.

By this mechanism there is provided a complete control of motor speedwith respect to variability of tension and, simultaneously, with respectto the size of the package being wound, which control mechanism has manyadvantageous features.

By correct proportioning of the size of the nonconducting portion andthe conducting portions of the selector of the dropwire switch, it ispossible to eliminate time and inertia dwell between the on and offperiods of motor power operation, thus minimizing the necessary travelrequired of the dropwire as it passes from the cut-in and cut-outpositions and return, of the motor circult, giving a complete, rapid,and efficient response to even small tension changes. Furthermore, dueto the anti-friction characteristics of the dropwire operated switchparts there is no force exerted by the switch on the dropwire itself noris there any material energy needed to defleet the parts of the switch,sothat the control mechanism can be operated through extremely lowtension ranges even as low as 1 gram, al-

though higher tension ranges can be equally well operably used, whileobtaining all of the advantages hereinbefore mentioned. All of the partsof the mechanism are independently adjustable to permit completevariability of any factor involved in utilizing the mechanism whereby toobtain an optimum result of the fastest possible winding conditions withcorrect and efficient tension of winding on the finished package.

It will be understood that the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description as well are exemplary and explanatory ofthe invention but are not restrictive thereof.

Referring now in detail to the illustrative embodiment of the inventionas shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention is applied to aFoster winding machine having a spindle ID to receive the usual papercore H on which the yarn I2 is wound from a supply bobbin (not shown),for rotation and is provided with a pulley I3 which is driven by a beltfrom an electric motor l4. This motor M will be of a suitable type togive the desired rotation to spindle l0, and is preferably acapacitator-run, capacitatorstart motor of fractional horsepower.

The yarn l2 passes from its supply through a tension device l8 havingmeans: to apply a variable tension on the yarn as hereinafter described.From the tension device IS, the yarn l2 extends to, and passes over afluted bar 33, then under the dropwire 31 through its eye 32 up to aguide bar H, to the traversing yarn guide l8 by which the yarnis-traversed back and forth over the surface of the package to be woundon core H, to produce a precise wind conical package.

Guide bar l1 and yarn guide l8 are mounted on a swinging. frame l9pivoted to the machine frame at 2| and having a tail end 22 projectingbeyond the pivot 2|. Tail end 22 has pivotally Spindle I3 isconventionally mounted connected thereto at 23 a counterweight 24. Thus,by rotating adjusting member 26, the counterweight 24 will move inwardlyor outwardly with respect to tail end 22 and vary the balance aboutpivot 2| of frame 19, so as to give control of pressure to the packagebeing wound on spindle Ill.

Preferably, the guide I8 is spaced from the package being wound by afreely rotating roller 28 mounted in a, yoke 29 and supported on frameIt].

The guide IE will be driven in its traversing movements by means of, forinstance, the usual traverse rod, cam and the like (not shown) so thatit makes one traverse to and fro longitudinally of the package onspindle l0 each several revolutions of the package.

As the package on spindle It) builds up and thus increases in diameter,the frame l9 moves about its pivot 2| in the direction of the arrow A,the counterweight 24 permitting retaining of pressure of roller 28 onpackage and the adjustment means 25, 26 and 21 permitting a correctbalancing of this swinging out to suit the type of yarn being wound.

In accordance with the present invention, means are provided operatingbetween the spindle l0 and the tension device Hi to control the tensionapplied to the yarn 12 being wound on the package on spindle It] at atension best suited to the kind of yarn being wound while maintainingthe maximum speed and efficiency of winding. To this end, electricalcontrol apparatus is employed having its operating parts enclosed in abox or casing 30 which is adapted to detachably mount in any desiredmanner on the frame 20 of the winding machine.

In Figure I, dropwire 3t is shown in a normal or running position andshould the tension of the yarn l2 alter as by a sudden increase intension due to a snarl or the like, or suddenly decrease as by a breakin the yarn l2 or a slack in yarn l2, the dropwire 31 will moveaccordingly being pivotally connected to swing downwardly on breakage ordecreased tension and upwardly on increased tension.

In one feature of the present invention, the dropwire 3i acts upon theelectrical parts in casing 30 to cause stoppage of the motor 14 onbreakage of yarn and a decreasing of speed of rotation of motor [4 uponincreased tension to equalize the tension. To this end, dropwire 3| isheld in a socket 35 at the end of an arm 36 by a, set screw 31. Arm 36is screw-threadedly attached at its other end to a straight side of amember 38 formed as a segment of a circle, as for instance a quadrant,arm 33 being held fixedly in place by a nut 39. Segment 38 is formed ofa thick piece of metal of any desired type such as stainless steel orbrass and may be, for instance, one-half inch wide. It is pivoted on apivot pin 40 in a bearing 4! which is mounted on a panel 42 ofinsulating material, arranged within the casing 33. Thus dropwire 3|swings with the arm 35 around and relative to the pivot pin 40 carryingsegment 38 with it, swinging the curved face of the segment through anarcuate path relative to any fixed point. Segment 3B is preferablymounted on the pivot pin. by an anti-friction bearing 44.

Cooperating with the curved face of the segment 38 at a fixed point is aroller 45 mounted for free rotation by a pin 46 extending between theflanges 41 terminating a lever 48 which is pivotally supported at 49near its lower end. In order to constantly urge the roller 45 intorolling contact with the curved face of segment 38, the

lever 48 has a tail end 58 to which is linked a spring the other end ofthe spring being held by 9. lug 52 on a bracket 53 attached to panel 42by screws 54. Bearing 49 for lever 48 is also carried by bracket 53.

Inserted in the arcuate face of segment 38 is a nonconducting strip 56this insert 56 being formed of any suitable insulating material, such asfibre or mica, and being of a size to fulfill the desired purposehereinafter brought out. The insert 56 continues the contour of thearcuate face of segment 38 so that. as the segment moves under ten sionchanges effecting dropwire 3|, the roller 45 will either be in contactwith the metal conducting parts of the arcuate face of the segment 01'with the nonconducting surface of insert .56. While the roller 45 is incontact with insert any electric current between roller 45 and segment38 will be interrupted, and as soon as the movements of the dropwire 3|cause the segment 38 to move the insert out of contact, circuitcontinuity between roller 45 and metal parts of segment 38 will beestablished. Thus, anti-friction rotary switch formed of segment 38 androller 45 is a normally open switch with the roller in contact normallywith the nonconducting insert 56, and, upon tension variations of yarnI2, the switch will be closed.

Upon such closing of the rotary switch 38-45, a circuit is establishedto discontinue supply of electric energy to motor I4 through the mediumof a normally closed relay 18. Figures and 11 show the electric circuitsinvolved, Figure 10 having the motor I4 running under full supply ofcurrent and Figure 11 showing discontinuance of current. Referring tothese two figures, power is supplied tothe motor through leads 58 and59, through a series fuse 60. one lead going to a terminal 6| on bracket53 (Figure 2) to make contact with the roller 45 which is metal as isarm 48 on which it is mounted. From terminal 6| the circuit is continuedto a pair of switch points 62, 63 of relay 18 which are normallybridged," as shown in Figure 10, by an arm 64 to complete the circuitfor normally operating the motor I4 through a lead 55 connected to oneside of the motor and to switch point 63. Main lead 59 of the electricsupply connectsdirectly to the motor, so that, when arm 64 is in contactwith switch points 62, 53 the motor will continue to run under fullsupply of current.

Arm 64 is solenoid operated by a plunger 66 through a coil 6'! which iscontrolled entirely by the opening or closing of a rotary switch 38-45.To this end, lead 59 is also connected by a line 68 to the coil El andother side of the coil 61 is connected to the segment 33 by a terminal69 (Figure 2).

While the roller 45 is in nonconducting contact with insulating insert56 of segment 38 the switch 38-45 will be open as in Figure 10. coil 61of relay nect arm 64 from switch points 62, 63 to break the circuit ofthe motor I4.

The motor I4 has its power supply interrupted therefore by relay I8whenever the roller 45 is in contact with the metal parts of segment 38on either side of insert 56, andthus, if the yarn I2 the yarn increasesgreatly the dropwire 3| will rise to discontinue the supply to themotor.

The three positions of roller 45 and segment 38 are progressively shownin Figures 6, 7 and 8. In Figure 6, the roller 45 is incontactwithnonconducting insert 56 and under these conditions which will continuewhen the correct tension is on the yarn I2 with the dropwire in positiona, the motor I4 will receive continued supply of power. In Figure 7, thetension has increased raising dropwire 3| to position b and the motor I4will have its power supply cut on through relay 18 with the result thatthe motor will run down, thus decreasing the tension on the yarn I2until the dropwire is again at position a of Figure 6 when the power tothe motor will be renewed by cutting out of rotary switch 3845. Thiscondition of repeated cutting out and cutting in of power to the motorI4 will continue at a relatively high speed of change so that the actualspeed of the motor I4 will be less than its full speed and at a maximumfor the particular yarn being wound, the motor speed being directlycontrolled by the tension on the yarn itself, which acts throughdropwire 3| to operate segment 38 in a high speed fluctuating orfluttering reciprocation to adjust for even small increments of increaseand decrease in yarn, tension.

In Figure 8 the condition is shown where the yarn I2 has broken and nolonger holds up the dropwire 3| which has fallentoposition 0, thuscutting out the motor. power through relay I8 and allowing the motor I4to come to a stop, for repair of the break in the yarn by an operativeupon discovery as by a visual signal or the like,

of the stoppage of winding.

It will be noted that no force. other than that to lift the lightlybalanced dropwire, is required to cause the switching operations bymeans of segment 38 and roller 45, whereby the switch can be efficientlyoperable by minimum tension ranges as low as 1 gram, for example, whilethe smooth acting constant contact between roller 45 and the arcuatesurface of segment 38 results in a long life of the parts of ananti-friction relatively nonarcing switch.

Preferably, the relay I8 is a mercury relay switch for example of thetype described and illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 of application forpatent Ser. No. 506.481, filed October 16, 1943, now Patent No.2,402.739. By utilizing a mercury relay switch for the means whereby theactual motor power is cut-in and cutout, only a minimum of energv isexpended between the contact surfaces of roller 45 and segment-38,afiording greater life to the rotary switch formed by these twoelements. while a maximum of efficiency is obtained, including a no-laglow inertia system of operating the motor I4 with respect to the tensionreouirements of yarn I2.

As a convenient method of supply the electric power through the variousswitching parts of the motor I4 the wiring leads from the coil 67. andthe switch points 62, 63 are connected to a polarized socket 7|! and poarized plug II is adapted to be inserted therein (Figure 5). The leadstherefrom are connected to another polarized plug 13 (Figure 1), whichis adapted to be inserted in a socket 14 mounted conveniently on thecasing of motor I4. Thereby. the electrical controlling unit in casing30 can be readily disconnected from electric contact for removal of theunit for repair, adjustment or replacement.

tion relative to the segment 38 by a tightening screw 80 and supportedin the shackle and held also bv screw 00 is a spring wire 8| whichprojects downwardly and beyond the lowest level of dropwire 3I. Springwire BI i adapted to be fixed by screw 00 to share the mo ements of thebearing 44 and thus of the dropwire 3 I.

The pivot pin 40 extends beyond bearing 44 and is adapted to receive alever 84 having a flange 85 in wh ch a set screw 86 is threaded, tosecure lever 34 in a predetermined position on pivot pin 40 so thatitcan move therewith. and rel tive to segment 8 and spr ng w re 8|.Lever 04 has at its extremity a b ock .88 in o a bore of which anL-shaped arm 89 is adjustably mounted by a set screw 90. the one branchof the L of arm 89 crossing and making contact with spr ng wire BI invarious de rees of pressure. Bv raisin". or lowr'ng arm 83 within the bock 80 the spring wire III has greater or lesser distortion from itsnormal uns res ed osition. so that a spring tension of vary amoun s canhe applied by this m an to he dropwire 3| rela ive to ivot pin 40.Accordin ly. w th the dropwire 3I in ru ning or operative osit on. theL-shaned arm 89 is adj s ed wit in b ock 88 to give the desired amountof spring ension for the y rn which is being used, by s rin bless n donwire 3I against the yarn pa ng hro h eye 32.

In the w ndin of yarns with machines of the type referred tohereirbefore, it is desirable that t e actual tension a plied to t eyarn. with respect to the pre etermined drag a p ied to. the

' yarn by t e tension device I3. sh uld be reduced as the size of t epackage builds up. and accord ng to another feature of the presentinvention means are rov d d for effecting such a re duct on of tensionunder control of the increase in size of the packa e being wound onspindle I0. To this end. at the opposite extremity of pivot pin 40 thereis mounted a lever 93, being attached to the pivot in 40 to movetherewith by a flan ed portion 94 and a set screw 95.

At its free end, lever 93 is connected to a link 95 the other end ofwhich is connected intermediate the ends of a tension compensator 11 inthe form of a long bar or lever 91 which compensator is adapted to bemoved in proportion to increased size of the pa ka e as hereinafterdescribed. Lever 91 is pivotally attached at its lowermost end to themain frame of the winding machine by a bracket 98 attached to the mainframe 20 and a pivot 99. Carried by a lug I04 on one end of lever 91 isa screw threaded rod I00 which is suitably supported by the lug I04 forrotational movements and projects downwardly part of the length of thelever 91. An operating head IOI is attached to rod I00 and projec sbeyond the upper end of the lever 91. Threadedly carried by rod I00 tomove relative to lever 91 is a rider I02 which is adapted to move up anddown on rod I00 by rotation thereof by head I 0| the rider I02 having anextension in the form of a 12 pivoted block I03 which extends beyondlever 31,- as shown in Figure 12.

Block I03 is suitably linked to an operating lever I05 fast upon pivot2i of frame I9, whereby the movements of frame I9 about its pivot 2|, asthe package on spindle I0 increases in size are transmitted to lever 91swinging this angularly about its pivot 99, for the purpose to bedescribed.

The linkage between operating lever I05 moving with frame I9 and blockI03 is preferably adjustable whereby the angularity of compensator 11about its pivot can be initially preselected with respect to any packageto be wound. To this end, as shown in Figure 5, a link I06 is pivotallyconnected at I01 to the extremity of lever I05 and is attached to acoupling I08 at I09, the other end of the coupling being attached to theblock I03 by a screw threaded rod II 0 having a knurled operating headIII and being spring biased by a I spring II2 between stop II3 on theother end of rod H0 and the coupling I 00.

Block I03 has a threaded bore II5 which permits the rod IIO to bescrewed in or out relative to the compensator 11 carrying coupling I08with it, whereby the initial angular position of compen'sator I'I,namely the lever 91 can be preselected, and thereafter as the package onspindle I0 increases in size, the compensator 11 will progressivelyswing about pivot 99 in a clockwise direction from this initialposition.

Attached to the lever 91 is a link 96, previously described as attachedto lever 93 which in turn is fixed on pivot pin 40, whereby the angularmovements of the lever 91, under influence of the adjustment of rod H0in block I03 as well as the increasing diameter of the package onspindle I0 will be transmitted to the lever 93 attached to pin 40 andefiect spring pressure of spring BI by moving arm 89 attached to theother end of pin 40 by lever 84, thus adjusting the spring pressure onthe dropwire 3|, as the package builds up.

Link 96 is adjustably carried in a shackle I18, being held in placetherein by a set screw II9, shackle I I8 being fixed upon the lever 9!by a lock screw and nutJ H, to cause it to move therewith.

In utilizing the apparatus of the present invention, conventionally aninitial pressure is ap-' plied on the yarn I2 in the tension device I6,this being calculated to give the desired tension on the yarn as it iswound, and to this end, the tension device I6 is provided with anadjustable gate I5 and a fixed gate IS, the adjustable gate being movedrelative to the fixed gate to vary the drag applied to the yarn, I

In order that the drag or tension applied to the yarn by the tensiondevice I 8 may be varied automatically as the package on spindleincreases in size, compensator TI is also associated with the movablegate I5 to modify its position relative to fixed gate I6.

To this end, at the lower end of lever 91, there is 2. lug I24 in whichis located another screw threaded rod I20 operated by a head I2I to movethe rider I22 upwardly or downwardly'relative to the lever 91, inexactly the same manner as rider I02 is operated at the upper end, byhead IOI.

Pivotally connected to an extension I23 of rider I 22 is a lever I26which is suitably connected at its other end to the movable gate 15whereby the angular movements already defined of compensator TI aboutits pivot 99 will cause gate I5 to be moved progressively away from gate13' I6 during the increasing of diameter of the package on spindle I torelieve the drag caused by the cooperation of gates I and I6, as thepackage builds up,

The actual throw or amount of variation of movable gate I5 relative tofixed gate I6 can be preselected by an adjusting nut I2I operating on ascrew threaded end of lever I26 against the action of a spring I28 and astop I29 to apply a variable spring bias to the gate I5 which is in partrelieved when the lever 91 swings clockwise about its pivot.

Also by raising or lowering rider I22 by turning head I2I, theangularity of the lever I26 is altered, whereby the amount of release 0?drag or tension caused by the cooperation of gates and I6 can bepreselected.

Means are also provided in accordanc with the present invention forcausing positive stopping of the motor I4 when the package on the spinde has reached its predetermined full size, as well as means to permit anoverthrow of all the mechanism of the control system while the pack ageis being doifed.

To this end, as shown particularly in Figs, 2, 3, 4 and 5, a doubleended lever I32 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on panel 42as at I33 and is spring urged by a spring I34 into a normal uprightposition as shownin the figures mentioned. One extremity of leverextends above the panel 42 and externally ofthe ca ing through a gap I35and terminates in a kno k-off abutment I36. Mounted upon an anglebracket I3'I carried by frame I9 is an adjustable stop I38, being screwthreaded into a leaf of bracket I31 and variably positioned with respectthereto by a nut I39. The position of bracket I3! is such that uponextreme outward swinging of the yarn feeding elements I8. 28. 29 ontheir supporting frame I9, the stop I38 will strike knock-off abutmentI38 and swing lever I32 clockwise.

At the other extremity o lever I32 there is a pin I in the form of areaded rod or screw carried by a threaded bore in a flange MI in thelever so as to be adjustable in its operating'length juttng beyond thelever.

Pin I40 is directed toward lever 48 mou ting roller and, as clearly seenby comparing'Figures 5 and 9, as the lever I32 swings cl"ckwise, w lmake contact with the body of lever 48. Lever I32 is n elecrical co tacat ll times wi h the side of the circuit formed by the segment 38, byvirtue of a conducting plate I42 in contact with lev r 32 and withhearing 4 for se ment 38. .Ac cordingly, whatever the posit on of theinsert and roller 45 may be at the time of contact of pin I40 with lever48, the circuit between termnals 69 and BI will be completed to stoprotation of the motor I4 and keep this in a nonrunn ng ondition whilepin I40 is in contact with lever 48 Since the length of protrusion ofpin I40 can be varied, as aforesaid. the exact time when this,

cut-out of power supply is made can be prede" terminedwith respect tothe size of package to e wound.

When it is desired to doff the full package, he

m chanism of the control apparatus can be thrown manually into theposition of Figure 9 with the pin I40 still in contact with the lever'48 to prevent starting of the motor I4, the lever 48 moving into theposition shown. again t the action of its spring 5|. In the positionsassumed by the apparatus as in Figure 9 the gate I5 will be free of gateI6 so that the yarn will be free of drag for adjusting readily to a newcore and the dropand/or thev roller 45 and lever 48 positionthe nsulatedinsert to wire 3| is relieved of its tension from spring 8| I so thatthe overthrow position shown is-ideally suited for replenishing the coresupply on spindle I0, with easy withdrawal of the full package A fromthe spindle. Replacement of the parts to the next winding operationunder the same drag of tension device IS, the same spring pressure ondropwire 3| andthe same cut-out I40 for the fully built package, or anyof these can be changed to suit new conditions.

In operation, a core II is placed on spndle I0 with the parts in theposition of Figure 9. The

yarn I2 is then threaded through the tension gate :6, the eye 32 ofdropwire 3| and thence to the yarn guide I8 and around the core a fewwraps.

The apparatus is then generally placed in the positions shown in Figure5 except that thedropwire will be lowered to a position similar to thatof Figure 8. If no alterations to the tension and size of the packageare to be made prior to winding, the dropwire will be manually raised tothe position shown in Figure 6, and thereafter the motor I4 willcontinue to be rotated bv interrupted power supply under the tensionflu'tuations as hereinbefore described; until the predetermined size ofpackage is attainediwhen the motor will be cut out by the cut-out switchI40.

When a relatively stronger strand is being wound, and a greater amountof tension is applied to the strand. a greateramount-ofresistance is puton the lifting action or movement of the dropwire to ma ntain thepredetermined running position of the eye or strand engaging end of thedropwire. A definite amount of resistance best suited to mosteffectively hold up the dropwire is decided upon. 1

This running position can be changed, to give more. or less angularityto the running strand, such as more resistance for stronger strands andless res stance for weaker strands, as may be determined to give thebest winding conditions and produce the best shape and quality tothewound package, tion. I

Means for controlling the position of the dropwire and determining theangularity of the strand ,are provided by the slots in the bracket 53,Figure 2 and screws 54, by which the roller 45 in the upper end of lever48, is adjustably set in a higher position which necessit tes theinsulated insert 56 to be correspondinglt' raised and the strand enaging end I the dropwire to be lowered is set in a lower becorrespondingly lowered and the strand engaging end,of the dropwire tobe raised. These settings are made in conjunction with the adjustmentsmade by the bent lever 89 pressing a ainst the long spring wire 8| whichoperates jointly with the dropwire 3I.

In the event that an abnormal greater amount of tension than the initialtension is. present in the,running strand, the,lifting of the dropwire/tends to lessen the initial amount of angularity all variables beingtaken into consideraabnormal conditions aflectinc the control of the.-electrio motor-speed.

Adjustments can be made either prior to or during running to compensatefor tension changes desired. For instance, turning head IOI in aclockwlsedirection will lower the rider I02 and move the compensator 11counter-clockwise to relieve the pressure of spring 8| against arm 89"and thus reduce the ratio of spring pressure on the dropwire, whileturning head IOI in a counterclockwise direction will increase thisratio.

Also, by turning head I2I clockwise, rider I22 is lowered, shorteningthe throw of link I26 and causing less tension slacking under influenceof increased diameter of the package, while a counter-clockwise turningof head I2I lengthens the throw and increases the increment of releaseof drag per unit change in diameter. Altering the position of stop I36on frame III will change the size of package automatically obtained.

Furthermore, turning head III counter-clockwise will shorten theoperative length of levers I06 and H to swing compensator 11counterclockwise and thus reducethe pressure of bar 89 against thespring M to attain a slightly higher level of the-dropwire eye-32, thissimultaneously lessening the pressure of gate 15 against gate 16 toreduce the drag on the yarn, whereby tension adjusting in asmallincrement can be effected.

With the apparatus hereinbefore described, complete adjustments tosatisfy any desired condition can be, effected beforeor during winding.

However, while it is possible to adjust the segment 38 and particularlythe insert 56 with respect to the fixed conductor 45 as hereinbeiorebrought out, with the mechanism described, the angularity of thedropwire 3i cannot be adjusted with respect to the non-conductingcontact position of conductor 45 and insert 56-.

Accordingly, it is a further feature of this invention to modify theconstruction of the dropwire switch 38 whereby to permit thenon-conducting or normal tension position of insert 56 and conductor 45to be maintained with any desired initial level on the dropwire 3|.

To this end, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the dropwire switch isformed of a segment I50 which may be in this instance of insulatingmaterial, and adjustably attached to the curved'face of quadrant I50 isa shoe II' made of conducting material and having an insulating insertI52 equivalent in size and purpose to the insert 56 of segment 38, asshown in Figures 6, '1 and 8, for example. Shoe I5I is adjustable on thecurved face of segment I50 by means of set screws I56 which pass througharcuate slots I54 in the side faces of segment I50, this segment beinggrooved as at I58 to embrace and hold shoe I5I. Shoe I5I has threadedbores I51 to receive screws I56 and by loosening the screws I56 the shoeI5I may be moved in groove I58 an amount only limited byuthe extent ofslots I54. By this means, the relative position of insert I52 andconductor 45 can be maintained for normal tension, and the resistance ofdropwire 31 can be made to suit the desired running position. When theshoe I5I has been adjusted into desired position to suit conditions ofwinding, screws I56 are tightened by screwing into bores I51 and theshoe I5I is thereby clamped against the side walls of groove I58 andheld in position.

By this modification there is effected a further adjustment of theapparatus to suit conditions of winding which may arise. Furthermore,the shoe I5I is readily removed and replaced with the construction shownIn Figures 13 and 14. for

the shoe I51 maybe made of good conducting and hard wearing metal suchas copper or stainless steel. while the body I50 to which it is attachedmay be of a different metal or of insulating material for either adesired lightness of weight, durability or similar result.

Hereinbefore, the insert 56 has been generally indicated a an insulatingblock made for example of fiber or mica with the roller 45 of suitablematerial such as metal.

In Figure 15 there is shown a specific form for the insert 56 and theroller 45 wherein the maximum smooth and continuous contact is obtainedbetween the roller and the segment 30 with the reduction toa minimum ofarcing on make and break of the circuit as segment 38 moves undercontrol of dropwire 3|. Roller 45 comprises a carbon cylinder I10mounted upon a metal core "I, this core being mounted to rotate in thebracket 41 (Figure 2) as previously described by means of pivot pin 46.

Insert 56 comprises a u-shaped metallic seat I12, preferably of silveror like self cleaning conductor which is held in place in the stainlesssteel body of segment in any convenient manner and which embraces a micainsulating block I13.

With this construction the contact roller 45 of carbon or graphite brushmaterial contacts the insulation block of mica or the like I13 and thereis an immediate contact edge of coil silver or the like formed by thearms of seat I12, thus providing a relatively non-sparking self-cleaningand long wearing switching means according to this invention.

The manner of constructing the dropwire switch formed of segment 38 androller 45 according to the present invention is such that there is thegreatest possible sensitivity to yarn tension changes of the dropwireswitch, as hereinbefore brought out, and when dealing with very lowwinding tensions as required or as desired for some yarns rapidfiuctuationsoi the dropwire 3| and thus the changes of speed controlledthereby through the rotor switch 45-38 will result. In some suchinstances, it may be desirable to be able to dampen the fluctuations ofthe dropwire 3|. Furthermore, while the tension of the yarn on thedropwire 3| can be decreased or increased, as hereinbefore described layturning head III (Figure 5) to move the lever 11 about its pivot, it maybe desirable to obtain more control of this increase or decrease thancan be given by such means since the changes made are limited by thelength of threaded portion IIO, while also it may be preferable to avoidchanging the tension of the yarn on the dropwire 3i by alteration of theposition of head III.

Accordingly, means are provided as illustrated in Figures 16, 1'1 and18, for accomplishing these desired functions.

To this end, in the modification shown in these figures, a counterweightI15 is adjustably mounted on hearing 44, the counterweight thus movingwith shackle 19 carrying spring wire 8I when the counterweight is fixedto the hearing by a tightening screw I16. The counterweight I15 issuitabIy shaped, for instance kidney shaped as illustrated, to give adefinite bias of the spring 8i and its cooperating arm 09, variable froma maximum amount, when in the position of Figure 16 to a negligibleamount when in the position of Figure 1'1, so that, by varying theposition of counterweight I15 around bearing 44 by use of 11 the screwI16 greater or lesser tension of the yarn on the dropwlre 3| can beattained, the counterweight acting to actually load the dropwire 3| witha positive force which ls constant for that position of thecounterweight.

Thus, this can be utilized for loading the dropwire 3| to adjust fortension as previously described irrespective of the adjustments made bymeans of head III, or it may be used to dampen the lightly balanceddropwire 3|.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the speciiicmechanisms shown'and described but departures may be made therefromwithin the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from theprinciples of the invention and without sacrificing its chiefadvantages.

What is claimed is:

1. In a winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage is to be wound, a motor for driving the spindle, and a switch inthe motor circuit controlling the supply of power to the motor, saidswitch having a yarn tension actuated selector, in contact with, andmovable relative to a. conductor in increments directly proportional tochanges in yarn tension, and naving its resistance to movement to suchyarn tension changes-of the same predetermined. value at all positionsof the selector relative to the conductor.

2. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a motor driven spindleon which the package tote wound is mounted, a motor ior driving thespindle, a relay in the motor circuit for controlling power to the motorto vary the spindle speed, and a switch for controlling the operation ofthe relay, said switch comprising a selector having a plurality ofseparate segments each controlling a oul'erent function, the selectormoving undei" inhuence of changes in tension on the yarn, and aconductor in continuous contact sequentially with the segments andforming with each one a diherent iorm of control of the relay.

3. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a motor driven spindleon which a package to be wound is mounted, a motor for driving thespindle, a relay in the motor circuit for controlling power to the motorto vary the spindle speed, and a switch for controlling the operation ofthe relay, said switch comprising a selector moving under influence ofchanges in tension on the yarn, and a conductor in continuous contactwith the selector and operating the relay thereby in either an .on oroff position of supply of power to the mgtonto vary the spindle speedrelative to the change in yarn tension. 4

be wound, a motor for driving the spindle, and a switch in the motorcircuit controlling the supply of power to the motor said switchhavingayarn tension actuated selector, in contact with} and movablerelative to a fixed conductor in increments directly proportional tochanges in yarn tension, and having its resistance to such yarn tensionchanges of the same predetermined value at all positions of the selectorrelative to the conductor, said selector being lightly balanced torespond to yarn tension changes of a small magnitude relative to thetension on the yarn during Winding. a

5. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage is to be wound, a motor driving the spindle, a selectorprogressively moved by changes in tension in the yarn to two operativepositions and a conductor in fixed position relative thereto and saidselector and conductor having relative movement while in continuouscontact for controlling the supply of power to the motor whereby thespeed of driving of the spindle is governed by the tension of the yarn.

6. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage to be wound is carried, a motor driving the spindle, and controlapparatus for varying the speed of the motor in accordance with thetension on the yarn being wound including a switch having a movableselector and a stationary conductor in continuous contact therewith,said selector having conducting and non-conducting segments which aremoved into position with respect to the conductor selectively by meansgoverned by the tension of the yarn being wound, to either cause supplyof power to the motor or to discontinue such supply.

7. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage to be wound is carried, a motor driving the spindle, and controlapparatus for varying the speed of the motor in accordance with thetension on the yarn being wound including a switch having a curvedselector conducting member pivotally moving under Variations of tensionof the yarn, an

insulating segment on the curved contact face of the selector, ananti-friction conductor in continuous contact at all times with thecurved contact face, means operated by the open circuit between theinsulated segment of the selector and the conductor for supplying powerto the motor, and means operated by the closed circuit between thecontact face of the selector and the conductor for disconnecting thepower supply to the motor.

8. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage to be wound is carried, a motor driving the spindle, and controlapparatus for varying the speed of the motor in accordance with thetension on the yarn being wound including a switch having a curvedselector conducting member pivotally moving under variations of tensionof the yarn, an insulating segment on the curved contact face of theselector, an anti-friction conductor in continuous contact at all timeswith the curved contact face, means operated by the open circuit betweenthe insulated segmentof the selector and the conductor for supplyingpower to the motor,

and means operated by the'closed circuit between the contact face of theselector and the conductor for disconnecting the power supply to themotor said means including a normally closed relay in series with themotor supply lines which is operated to open the motor circuit at alltimes that the conductor of the switch is in contact with the conductingcurvedsurface of the selectorQ 9. In a yarn winding machine, thecombination of a spindle on which the package to be wound is carried, amotor driving the spindle, and control apparatus for varying the speedof the motor in accordance with the tension on the yarn being woundincluding a switch having a selector with a curved surface one part ofwhich is of conducting material and another part of non-conductingmaterial, a conductor in continuous contact at all times with saidsurface, means to initially adjust the relative position of thenonconducting part of the surface with respect to the conductor, aconnection between the selector assets? sition, the relay being actuatedto open the motor circuit whenever the dropwire is raised underincreased tension by contact between the conducting part surface of theselector and the condoctor to slow the spindle speed until the normaltension position is reached, when the power to the motor will be cut-inagain.

10. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage to be wound is carried, a, motor driving the spindle, andcontrol apparatus for varying the speed or the motor in accordance withthe tension on the yarn being woundincludlng a switch having a iselector with a curved surface: two parts or which are of conductingmaterial and another part of non-conducting material, a conductor incontinuous contact at all times with said surface, a connection betweenthe selector and a dropwire responsive to tension changes in the yarn,and a relay in the motor circuit normally closed by the open circuitbetween the non-conducting part of the selector surface and theconductor which represents a normal tension position, the relay beingactuated to open the motor circuit whenever the dropwire is raised underincreased tension by contact between one of the conducting parts surfaceof the selector and the, conductor to slow the spindle speed until thenorma1 tension position is reached, when the power to the motor will becut-in again and to also open the motor circuit for complete stoppage ofthe spindle motor whenever the dropwire is lowered due to breakage ofthe yarn, by contact between the other conducting part of the surface ofthe selector and the conductor.

11. In a yarn winding machine, the combine tion of aspindle on which thepackage to be wound is carried, a motor driving the spindle, and controlapparatus for varying the speed of the motor in accordance with thetension on the yarn being wound including a switch having .a movableselector and a stationary conductor in continuous. contact therewith,said selector having conducting and non-conducting segments which aremoved into position with respect to the conductor selectively by meansgovemed' by the tension of the yarn being wound, to either cause supplyof power to the motor or to discontinue such supply and a compensatoroperatively in ed to the selector to alter the relative position of thenon-conducting segment thereof with respect to the conductor,progressively as the package builds up in size.

12. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a-spindle on which thepackage to be wound is carried, a motor driving the spindle, and controlapparatus for varying the'speed of the motor in accordance with thetension on the yarn being wound-including a switch having a movableselector and a, stationary conductor in continuous contact therewith,said selector having conducting and non-conducting segments varying theinitial position of said segments relative to said selector and alsorelative to said conductor, to preselect the normal level position withthe non-conducting segment in normal contact with the conductor.

13. In a yarn winding machine, the combination or a spindle upon whichthe package is to be wound, a motor driving the spindle, a thread guidemounted on a pivotally supported frame for guiding the yarn onto thepackage and control apparatus for varying the speed of the motor withrespect to the tension on the yarn and to the progressively increasingsize of the package including a normally open switch having a movableselector and a fixed conductor in continuous contact therewith. aplurality of segments of differing conducting characteristics on thecontact surface of the selector, a normally closed relay operativelyconnected to .the motor circuit and, governed by the switch to be openedor closed thereby by contact between the segments of the selector andthe conductor, and levers connecting the thread guide frame and theselector to progressively alter the position of the segments withrespect to the conductor.

14. In a yarn winding machine, the combination of a spindle upon whichthe package is to be wound, a motor driving the spindle, a thread guidemounted on a pivotally supported frame for guiding the yarn onto thepackage, a tension device for applying a drag to the yarn as it is fedto the thread guide, and control apparatus for varying the speed of themotor with respect to the tension on the yarn and to the progressivelyincreasing size of the package including a normally open switch having amovable selector and a fixed conductor in continuous contact therewith,a plurality of segments of differing conducting characteristics on thecontact surface of the selector, a normally closed relay operativelyconnected to the motor circuit and governed by the switch to be openedor closed thereby by contact between the segments of the selector andthe conductor, and levers connecting the thread guide frame and theselector to progressively alter the position of the segments withrespect to the conductor, and connections between said levers and thetension device for applying a drag to said yarn for reducing the drag asthe package size increases.

15. In awinding machine the combination of a motor driven spindle onwhich th package is to be wound, a motor driving the spindle, and aswitch in the motor circuit adapted to open the circuit in one positionto stop supply of power to the motor, and close the circuit at least inone other position to supply power to the motor. said switch comprisinga selector moved by small changes of tension in the yarn in contactrelative to a fixed conductor to either close or open the motor circuit,said selector and conductor having relative movement while in contact,and having the resistance of the selector to such changes ofsubstantially the same value in any relative position of the selectorand conductor.

16, In a winding machine the combination of a motor driven spindle onwhich the package is to be wound, a motor driving the spindle, and aswitch in the motor circuit adapted to open the circuit in one positionto stop supply of power to the motor, and close the circuit at least inone other position to supply power to the motor, said switch comprisinga selector moved by small changes of tension in the yarn in continuouscontact relative to a fixed conductor to either close or open the motorcircuit; the force required to move the selector to either closed oropen circuit positions being of substantially equal magnitude.

1'1. In a winding machine the combination of a motor driven spindle onwhich the package is to be wound, a motor driving the spindle, and aswitch in the motor circuit adapted to open the circuit in one positionto stop supply of power to the motor, and close the circuit at least inone other position to supply power to the motor, said switch comprisinga selector moved by small changes of tension in the yarn in contactrelative to a fixed conductor to either close or open the motor circuitsaid selector and conductor having relative movement while in contact,the force required to move the selector to either closed or open circuitpositions being of equal magnitude, and being a small part only of theforce applied to the yarn in the form of tension.

18. In a winding machine. the combination of a spindle on which thepackage is to be wound, a

' motor for driving the spindle, and a switch in the motor circuitcontrolling the supply of power to the motor, said switch having a yarntension actuated selector, in contact with, and movable relative to aconductor in increments directly proportional to changes in yarntension, and

having its resistance to movement to such yarn tension changes of thesame predetermined value at all positions of the selector relative to.the conductor, said selector being variably spring biased against thetension of the yarn moving same.

19. In a winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage is to be wound, a motor for driving the spindle, and a switch inthe motor circuit controlling the supply of power to the motor, saidswitch having a yarn tension actuated selector, in contact with, andmovable relative to a conductor in increments directly proportional tochanges in yarn tension, and having its resistance to movement to suchyarn tension changes of the same predetermined value at all positions ofthe selectgr relative to the conductor, said selector bein variablygravity loaded against the tension of the yarn moving same,

22 changes in the yarn an adjustable weight adapted to alter thegravitational load of said dropwire, and a relay in the motor circuitnormally closed by the open circuit between the non-conducting part ofthe selector surface and the conductor which represents a normal tensionposition, the relay being actuated to open the motor circuit wheneverthe dropwire is raised under increased tension by contact between theconducting part surface of the selector and the conductor to slow thespindle speed until the normal tension position is reached, when thepower to the motor will be cut-in again.

22. In a winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage is to be wound, a motor for driving the spindle, and a switch inthe motor circuit controlling the supply of power to the motor, saidswitch having a yarn tension actuated selector, in contact with, andmovable relative to a conductor in increments directly proportional tochanges in yarn tension, and having its resistance to movement to suchyarn tension changes of the same predetermined value at all positions ofthe selector relative to the' conductor and means acting on saidselector to alter the gravitational load applied thereby against theyarn tension, in an adjustable amount.

23. In a winding machine, the combination of a spindle on which thepackage is to be wound,

a motor for driving the spindle, and a switch in the \motor circuit.controlling the supply of ,power to the motor, said switch having a yarntension actuated selector, in contact with, and movable 20. In a windingmachine, the combination' of a a spindle on which the package is tobewound, a motor for driving the spindle, and a switch in the motorcircuit controlling the supply of power, to the motor. said switchhaving a yarn tension actuated selector, in contact with, and movablerelative to a conductor in increments directly proportional to changesin yarn tension, and having its resistance to movement to such yarntension changes of the same predetermined value at all positions of theselector relative to the conductor, adjustable means being provided forapplying a resilient force upon said selector, and

separate means being provided for applying a gravity bias in oppositionto said resilient force tinuous contact at all times with said surface,

means to initially adjust the relative position of the non-conductingpart of the surface with respect to the conductor, a connection betweenthe selector and a dropwire responsive to tension force applied thereto.

relative to a conductor in increments directly proportional to changesin yarn tension, and having its resistance to movement to such yarntension changes of the same predetermined value at all positions of theselector relative to the conductor andresilient means acting on theselector to oppose the movements imparted to the selector by changes inyarn tension, adjustable means for preselecting the resilient forceapplied by said resilient means to the selector.

24. In a winding machine-the combination oi a spindle on which thepackage-.15 to be wound. a motor for driving the spindle, and a switchin the motor circuit controlling the supply of power to the motor, saidswitch having a yarntension actuated selector, in contact with. andmovable relative to a conductor in increments directly proportional tochanges in yarn tension, and

having 'its resistance to movement to such yarn tension'changes of thesame predetermined value at all positions of .the selector relative tothe conductor, resilient means acting on the selector to o pose themovements imparted to the selector by changes in yarn tension,adjustable means for preselecting the resilient force applied by sa dresilient means to the selector, and a variable gravity load adapted tobe applied to theselector in a preselected amount opposing the resilientEDWARD R, DAVIS. HOWARD w. DOUGHTY, .m. 'nmrmncas crrnn The followingreferences are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Name Date Swanson Sept. 29, 1942 Number?

